I'll try to be satisfied with that." And he took both her hands so beseechingly that she felt more ungrateful than ever.
"No, it would not be fair, for you would love the most and, if the hero did appear, what would become of you ?" "I should resemble Uncle Alec in one thing at least fidelity, for my first love would be my last." That went straight to Rose's heart, and for a minute she stood silent, looking down at the two strong hands that held hers so firmly yet so gently, and the thought went through her mind, "Must he, too, be solitary all his life?
I have no dear lover as my mother had, why cannot I make him happy and forget myself ?" It did not seem very hard, and she owned that, even while she told herself that compassion was no equivalent for love.

She wanted to give all she could, and keep as much of Mac's affection as she honestly might, because it seemed to grow more sweet and precious when she thought of putting it away.
"You will be like Uncle in happier ways than that, I hope, for you, too, must have a high ideal and find her and be happy," she said, resolving to be true to the voice of conscience, not be swayed by the impulse of the moment.
"I have found her, but I don't see any prospect of happiness, do you ?" he asked wistfully.
"Dear Mac, I cannot give you the love you want, but I do trust and respect you from the bottom of my heart, if that is any comfort," began Rose, looking up with eyes full of contrition for the pain her reply must give.
She got no further, however, for those last words wrought a marvelous change in Mac.

Dropping her hands, he stood erect, as if inspired with sudden energy and hope, while over his face there came a brave, bright look, which for the moment made him a nobler and comelier man than ever handsome Prince had been.

"It is a comfort!" he said, in a tone of gratitude that touched her very much.

"You said your love must be founded on respect, and that you have given me why can I not earn the rest?
I'm nothing now, but everything is possible when one loves with all his heart and soul and strength.